Auckland top province

Golf: Overnight leader Auckland overcame a fierce challenge from Bay of Plenty and defending champion North Harbour to win the SBS Invitational provincial tournament in Invercargill on Sunday.

The Aucklanders shot a final round combined 2-under-par 286 for a four-round total of 1130 to secure a three-shot victory over Bay of Plenty, with Harbour a further shot back in third.

Otago finished ninth of the 15 teams with rounds of 293, 286, 288 and 292 for a 1159 total, five shots behind Canterbury.